ramsfan

Regarding that 1992 All-Star Game, Drexler was having an incredible game! He was on his way to MVP honors until he allowed Magic to be the center of attention. Drexler stepped back and let Magic take over. It was a very classy move by a classy player. I will never forget that game and how all the Western Conference players gave Magic the ball. Drexler is a class act!

Grim, it is hard to believe you spelled so many names wrong- Sullinger, Henson, Leonard, and Drummond.
Over the years we have heard many GM's say, "figure out who you want, and then go get him." Well, I think we know who Olshey wants and that is Chris Paul. Now, how do you get him? You need to aquire players that Paul would like to play alongside, have enough cap space next summer, and offer enough money and years to get his attention. If Portland trades for Raptors point, Calderon fills the point need for the next year and then his contract expires (Raptors want to dump Calderon salary). By taking Calderon Blazers swap picks 11 for pick 8, find two players at 6 & 8 that Paul likes (or trade the picks for these players) and build the team around Paul. Pick up a few bigs (pick setters who can also rebound) in free agency and make sure you leave enough cap space next summer. Blazers will not have a 1st round pick next year and the ONLY priority would be going after Paul. He still may not sign but they only way to get his attention is with his type of players and money. Years 2 and 3 of Olsheys contract Blazers go after a title.

The Blazers now own the NBADL team in Nampa, Idaho- The Stampede. This resolves the issue of young players sitting and not developing. Also the NBA team does not have to carry these players on their roster. Seems like Blazers always have 2- 3 guys that are not ready, not learning, just taking up space. Nolan Smith could have spent the whole year in Idaho, Babbitt maybe two years.

If Blazers draft two 1st rounders, sign their own free agents (Batum, Freeland, Claver, Hickson) and pick up another two free agents in July (Point and a Big) should pretty much fill out the roster. 2nd round picks and non drafted free agents head to Boise.

The comparisons to Kevin Love are accurate. He is very skilled and can score rebound and shoot the three. The injury bug may be a bigger concern than his height. If Sullinger can remain healthy he will thrive in the NBA. This is a very difficult player to pass on. I know Blazer fans will be afraid of the injury risk but when he is two to three years into his career many will say, "why did we pass on this guy?"

It has started everywhere outside of Portland. I live in Salt Lake City and we have not seen a drop of rain for months. There is no snow on the mountains (rare for this time of year) and our reseviors are drying up. Maybe we should consider a rainwater pipeline from Portland.

Dude, he was born and raised in Houston. Went to elementary school, jr high, high school, and college in Houston, Texas. He was traded by the the Blazers to the Houston Rockets. Then won an NBA championship with them. I think he has a right to call Houston home!

emygorf, rarely do I read posts this long but you hit the "nail on the head". Hear lots of talk about BPA and do not draft for need but finding the BPA (before the draft) is more difficult than it seems. Anyone can say "should have taken Durant or Chris Paul. I would like to see a poll on BPA and see if the fans can really forsee future talent.

Does this draft analysis sound familiar? The gem of Connecticut's recruiting class. Has long arms and is very athletic and mobile for a player his size. Aggressive in the paint. Still raw on offense, and a few years at UConn would have likely helped. Has had trouble keeping weight down in the past, and could probably stand to lose about 20 pounds. An NBA weight and strength regimen would help. Some lottery teams seem to be interested. Expected to be a first-round pick.
This was the 2005 analysis for Andrew Bynum. Sounds similar to Drummond. Bynum went to LA with the 10th pick. If this player was available this year with the 6th pick would you take him?

An idea of where this move could be going. Toronto is trying to move Calderon's salary (10 M) to free up money to attract Gerald Wallace . Blazers looking for a point guard and want to keep both 1st round picks. On draft night Blazers trade Crawford (5 M), Shawne Williams (3 M), Babbitt (2 M), 11th pick ,and 2nd round pick to Toronto for Calderon, and 8th pick. Crawford and Williams would have to agree to opt out and become free agents. Toronto then has 8 million freed up to go after Wallace, and they move down 3 spots in the draft. Portland gets a point guard (Calderon contract expires next summer) and has picks 6 & 8 to go after either Dummond & Lillard or Meyers & Waiters. The 8th pick moves Blazers ahead of Pistons and Hornets who are in need of a point and center.
Next summer Blazers will lose Calderon's salary and, assuming they still have cap space, make a play for Chris Paul. Remember Olsheys comment, "get a veteran to run the team for "the next little bit" until they can acquire their franchise point guard.

In 2005 Blazers traded the # 3 pick for the 6th and 22nd, trying to get two good players instead of one. Utah ended up with Deron Williams and we ended up with Martell Webster and Jarret Jack. The idea of two for one did not work that time.

Not sure if I get your question. D Will is a free agent this summer, Paul will be next summer. Both will go where they can compete for a championship and get paid. I did not suggest getting both players. Do not believe D Will will even have conversations with Blazers this year. But, I do think Paul will talk with Blazers next summer if the players are in place, the money right, and because of his history with Olshey.

Regarding the point guard situation. Think Olshey may be going after Chris Paul. He loves the guy, calls him an assassin and firmly believes adding him to any team will make them a contender. But, in order to get Paul to even consider PDX there needs to be some players in place first (see D Will).

Blazers will be filling out two rosters this year. Now that they have the developmental club in Boise (Idaho Stampede) they are looking at many players. Two first round picks, two second round picks and rookie free agents. Hummel could end up in Boise.